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The 5 Shocking Golden Buzzer Moments That Define Sofía Vergara's America's Got Talent Era

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Sofía Vergara's tenure on *America’s Got Talent* (AGT) has completely redefined her public persona, transitioning her from the beloved sitcom star of *Modern Family* to a powerful, passionate, and sometimes controversial reality TV judge. As of the current date, December 22, 2025, Vergara remains a central figure on the judging panel, having recently completed a landmark Season 19 that saw her make history with her Golden Buzzer choices, and with strong indications of her involvement in the upcoming 2025 season.

Her time on AGT, which began with Season 15, has been marked by a blend of genuine emotion, hilarious cultural commentary, and a surprising eye for talent that often diverges from her co-judges, Simon Cowell, Heidi Klum, and Howie Mandel. She has consistently championed unique, often comedic or visually stunning acts, solidifying her reputation as the panel's most unpredictable, yet highly influential, voice. The latest news confirms her substantial financial commitment to the show, reportedly earning her $10 million per season, a testament to her star power and enduring appeal to the NBC audience.

Sofía Vergara: Complete Biography and Career Profile

  • Full Name: Sofía Margarita Vergara Vergara
  • Date of Birth: July 10, 1972
  • Age (as of 2025): 53
  • Place of Birth: Barranquilla, Colombia
  • Nationality: Colombian and American
  • Occupation: Actress, Producer, Model, Television Personality, Businesswoman
  • Known For (Major Roles): Gloria Delgado-Pritchett on *Modern Family* (2009–2020), Griselda Blanco in the limited series *Griselda* (2024)
  • AGT Role: Judge on *America's Got Talent* since Season 15 (2020)
  • Notable Achievements: Multiple Primetime Emmy Award nominations, multiple Golden Globe nominations, highest-paid actress in American television for several years.
  • Recent Personal Life Update: Has been in a public relationship with a younger businessman following her divorce.

Sofía's AGT Tenure: From Debut to the $10 Million Contract

Sofía Vergara joined *America's Got Talent* in 2020 for Season 15, immediately following the conclusion of her decade-long run on *Modern Family*. Her arrival brought a new, vibrant energy to the panel, which also includes veteran judges Simon Cowell, Heidi Klum, and Howie Mandel. Her on-screen chemistry with the judges, particularly her close friendship with Heidi Klum, quickly became a fan favorite element of the show.

Her judging style is characterized by a deep emotional connection to the performers, often tearing up during powerful singing acts, but also a willingness to embrace the delightfully absurd. Unlike the more critical or technical critiques from Cowell and Mandel, Vergara often judges based on pure entertainment value and the joy an act brings to her.

The star’s commitment to the show has not wavered, with her returning for Season 19, which premiered in May 2024. Her financial standing reflects her value to the franchise; reports indicate she earns a substantial $10 million per season for her role as a judge, making her one of the highest-paid personalities in reality television. This lucrative contract underscores NBC's commitment to keeping the current, successful judging lineup intact.

Despite her dedication to the main series, Vergara made headlines when she opted not to participate in the spin-off, *America's Got Talent: Fantasy League*, where her seat was filled by former judge Mel B. This decision allowed her to focus on other high-profile projects, such as her critically acclaimed role in the Netflix series *Griselda*.

The Most Shocking and Unexpected Golden Buzzer Acts

Sofía Vergara is known for using her Golden Buzzer—the one-time-per-season power to send an act directly to the live shows—on performers who surprise and delight her. The 2024 and 2025 seasons have seen her make some of her most memorable and unexpected choices, creating immense buzz and topical authority around her decisions.

1. The Live Show Golden Buzzer for Hakuna Matata Acrobats (AGT Season 19, 2024)

In a historic move for the series, Vergara was given a special "Golden Twist" power, allowing her to press the Golden Buzzer during the first live show of Season 19. She used this unprecedented opportunity to send the Hakuna Matata Acrobats straight to the finals. The high-flying, death-defying performance by the Kenyan acrobatic group was a perfect blend of technical skill and raw emotion, which Vergara found completely captivating, securing them the first live-show Golden Buzzer in AGT history.

2. The "Nonsense" Comedy Duo Schumacher (AGT Season 19, 2024)

Arguably her most surprising choice of the 2024 season was the Japanese comedy duo Schumacher. Their act, which involved transforming into various animals through physical comedy and props, was described by some as "nonsense," but Vergara was utterly charmed by their originality and infectious humor. This choice highlighted her preference for unique, feel-good entertainment over traditional talent, and she was the last judge to use her Golden Buzzer in the audition rounds of Season 19.

3. Country Star Steve Ray Ladson (AGT 2025 Quarterfinals)

Looking ahead to the upcoming 2025 season, Sofía Vergara reportedly awarded the first quarterfinal Golden Buzzer to country artist Steve Ray Ladson. Ladson's performance of "Boots Like Mine" resonated deeply with the judge, demonstrating her willingness to back powerful musical talent. This early Golden Buzzer in the quarterfinal stage suggests a new format or a special twist for the 2025 season, making this a fresh and highly anticipated development.

4. The Return of Jessica Sanchez (AGT 2025)

In another exciting development for the 2025 season, Vergara used her Golden Buzzer for Filipino singing sensation Jessica Sanchez. Sanchez, known for her powerful vocals, delivered a soaring rendition of "Beautiful Things." The audience and Vergara were so moved that the Golden Buzzer was essentially willed into existence, highlighting the judge's appreciation for world-class vocal talent and her ability to recognize a true comeback story.

5. The Allergy Scare and Triumphant Return (AGT Season 19, 2024)

While not a Golden Buzzer moment, a significant highlight of the 2024 season was Vergara’s brief absence. She was forced to miss a semi-final taping due to what she described as "crazy" eye allergies that required a trip to the emergency room. Her subsequent, glamorous return to the panel for the remaining live shows was a testament to her dedication to the show, quickly shutting down any rumors of a permanent departure and confirming her commitment to the AGT family.

Sofía Vergara’s Legacy on AGT and Future Status

Sofía Vergara’s influence on *America's Got Talent* is undeniable. She has used her platform to champion diversity, comedic acts, and performers who bring a unique, joyful perspective to the stage. Her choices, such as the two Golden Buzzers in Season 19 and the early, high-profile picks for the 2025 season, ensure she remains a key driver of the show's narrative and audience engagement.

Fans can be confident in her continued presence. Her return for Season 19 and the public information regarding her active role in the 2025 tapings, including the Golden Buzzer moments for Steve Ray Ladson and Jessica Sanchez, indicate that she is firmly locked in as a judge. Her ability to pivot from the dramatic world of *Griselda* to the lighthearted, inspirational world of AGT solidifies her status as one of television's most versatile and highly paid stars, ensuring her spot on the AGT panel for the foreseeable future.

sofia americas got talent
sofia americas got talent

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